the man brunch
As the joke goes, what is Mother’s Day without all the gifts and hoopla? Father’s Day!
But our client, Chandlers Steakhouse, is working to change all that at the Man Brunch where not only will dads get their day in the sun, but 100% of the proceeds go to benefit the Women’s & Children’s Alliance. So put away that tie or aftershave and give dad what he really wants - beef & beer - for dad’s day!
one is a lonely yet efficient number
Here is a true example of “it’s the little things that matter.”
To truly understand the genesis of this idea, you have to first understand the large and well-used soapbox we have in our office. On any given day one to seven people can be found standing on it spouting their opinion about a current topic of imagined interest. One day I was having a discussion with Mary K about how you really can dry your hands with one paper towel. She is a great believer in this concept and so am I - drilling it into my kids in all public restrooms we visit. So why not at work? We both realized we take two towels at work just out of habit. This deserved not only stepping on the soapbox and shouting at the top of my voice, but also a sign. Oooo, my favorite!
So, I made it an office-wide challenge for May. A sign went into the men’s and women’s facilities on the paper towel holder. I am happy to report (from the women’s side at least) that I have seen many very wet “one-sies” in the trash lately. Good job team!
now available at a location near you
One of the thrills of being a graphic designer is seeing your work appear in a public place. Many of our clients are in the food industry, so we get to see our work every time we go to the grocery store!
That being said, we are particularly pleased to see the Simplot UpSides product at our local Boise Co-op in the frozen food aisle. We created the brand identity and packaging for this line, now being introduced into retail stores with our little Boise Co-op being one of the first!
It’s kind of a unique story because UpSides is a foodservice product. However, as Toni Anthony, Marketing Manager for New Products at Simplot said, “Even though it was developed for foodservice, the package design is so engaging and well-designed that the product line is easily making the transition into a retail environment.”
Ah yes, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
the diehards
You have to give these two props. Yesterday–80% chance of rain, 100% chance of soggy bottoms–and they still rode their bikes to work. Today–a repeat of yesterday’s weather, but let’s throw in 25 mph winds to make it that much more exciting. And, guess what? They still both rode in to work again. Linda and John, we applaud you!
sticking it to may in motion
Everyone loves stickers, right? Remember the really important ones as a kid? A gold star for a job well done, a Scooby Doo for a brave visit to the doctor’s office - cherished prizes of accomplishment. Here at Foerstel we cater to our inner children and our May in Motion participation screamed for stickers-a-plenty. We created a variety of stickers for specific alternative transportation mode used, and others to just keep you thinking about what you can do for May in Motion….and beyond.
Because our inner children were taught manners, we feel compelled to share. So, if you would like to use our specially designed May in Motion stickers we would be happy to send you a pdf to print for your office. Just send an email to debbie@foerstel.com and we’ll help you put things in motion!
family-style transportation
My favorite mode of transportation much of the year is an old cruiser bike. My friends ask why I don’t get one of the new models that look like the old ones but that are lighter weight, have gears and are bright and shiny. I know my bike might not be much to look at, but we have a history. This Schwinn Hollywood was given to my sister for Christmas in 1963. When my sister was more interested in cars than bikes (she is 14 years older than I am) my mom used to put a pillow in the basket and ride me around (ah… the good ol’ days). A few years ago I found this treasure in the barn at my parent’s and knew it was time for its resurrection. The Sears Roebuck odometer quit working just last summer - forever stuck on 1667 miles. I’ve added a few of my own flourishes - a cup holder (of course), bell and the EL-wire (the yellow, orange and red cable that is wrapped through the basket and around the frame) that lights up at night. My old cruiser may not be perfect, but it’s family.
crav’ems
The assignment: create naming, branding, messaging and package design for a line of unique, crispy, healthy snack chips made from cassava – potato’s South American cousin. Make the product pop off the shelf, appealing to adults and kids alike. Communicate fun, flavor, and health benefits.
The result: Crav’Ems! Too bad these delectable snacks in the sassy packaging never saw the light of day, or the grocery shelf. We think consumers would have gone ape over them!
alternate eco
Highland Labs, an Oregon-based vitamin supplement manufacturer, asked us to help them brand a new line of supplements highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability. Called Ecosana, the new line featured not only the best ingredients possible, but recycled paper labels printed with soy inks, and a revolutionary bottle, made with plastic derived from corn—making it compostable! While it has not gone to market yet look for it to hit the stores in the future.
foerstel girls out on the town
Boy - those Foerstel girls cleaned up real nice for the Boise Ad Federation’s Rockie awards held on April 24th.
meet mary k!
Mary K (pictured here with her handsome sons)
What type of job did you have prior to landing here?
I worked in Frankfurt, Germany at the Abrams Complex.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IG_Farben_Building
It was by far the most interesting job I’ve had. Not the job itself, accounting (yawn), but the people. I worked with people from Germany, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Greece, Turkey, Italy… everyone had a story of how they ended up in Germany and the potlucks were fabulous! On Fridays we would walk over to the administrative building for “Fish Friday” lunch. We would race back to work and ride the Paternoster up to our floor, usually someone would not have time to hop off and they ended up riding “around the top” – a dark and creepy experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0qa91F7ACM&feature=related
After returning to the states I accepted a job as “Supermom.” A position I still hold today.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Queen of England. I look good in hats and I like pearls.
What keeps you inspired and coming into work every day?
The coffee.
What is one of the first creative lessons you learned?
Being someone else is liberating.
What is on your iPod?
Smooth Rabbits Don’t Get Tranquilized and Clusterfunk.
Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?
Hiking, biking or at the gym.
What is your favorite quote?
I have two:
“So, that happened.” - Bob Barrenger/State and Main
“How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” - Dr. Seuss
Name one random thing about yourself that we probably don’t know…
I was offered a college scholarship in drama.
(Editors note: MK, this doesn’t surprise me! - HSF)
Do you have any adventures planned?
Well I don’t when or how or even why but Istanbul is calling me, I’m sure it won’t be my next adventure, but someday…..
What is your favorite thing about Boise?
The weather, the foothills, the greenbelt.
What was your last creative pursuit (outside of work)?
I painted my ceiling….oh did you mean creative or backbreaking?
